Integrated Heater and Magnetic Separator

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The apparatus can also control heating of a reaction mixture, and bring about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed by ExpressMail on Jul. 14, 2008 (and entitled “Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples”, in the name of Williams, et al.), which claims benefit of priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/959,437, filed Jul. 13, 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein generally relates to an apparatus for providing thermal and magnetic energy to a receptacle containing a reaction mixture and a magnetic retention member. The technology more particularly relates to an apparatus for controlled heating of a reaction mixture, and for bringing about a separation of magnetic particles from the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture typically comprises polynucleotides from a biological sample that are being brought into a PCR-ready form.

BACKGROUND

The medical diagnostics industry is a critical element of today's healthcare infrastructure. At present, however, diagnostic analyses no matter how routine have become a bottleneck in patient care. There are several reasons for this. First, many diagnostic analyses can only be done with highly specialist equipment that is both expensive and only operable by trained clinicians. Such equipment is found in only a few locations—often just one in any given urban area. This means that most hospitals are required to send out samples for analyses to these locations, thereby incurring shipping costs and transportation delays, and possibly even sample loss or mishandling. Second, the equipment in question is typically not available ‘on-demand’ but instead runs in batches, thereby delaying the processing time for many samples because they must wait for a machine to fill up before they can be run.

Understanding that sample flow breaks down into several key steps, it would be desirable to consider ways to automate as many of these as possible. For example, a biological sample, once extracted from a patient, must be put in a form suitable for a processing regime that typically involves using PCR to amplify a vector of interest. Once amplified, the presence of a nucleotide of interest from the sample needs to be determined unambiguously. Preparing samples for PCR is currently a time-consuming and labor intensive step, though not one requiring specialist skills, and could usefully be automated. By contrast, steps such as PCR and nucleotide detection have customarily only been within the compass of specially trained individuals having access to specialist equipment.

Sample preparation is labor intensive in part because most samples must be heated at one or more stages, and in part because target polynucleotides are typically captured by some kind of retention member which must then be effectively isolated from the surrounding milieu. Thus, even where various liquid transfer operations can be optimized, and even automated, there is still a need for controlled application of heat, and efficient capture of extracted polynucleotides in situ.

The discussion of the background herein is included to explain the context of the inventions described herein. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Throughout the description and claims of the specification the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for separating magnetic particles, comprising: one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion, the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more receptacles which contain the magnetic particles; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism.

An integrated separator and heater, comprising: a heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly comprises a plurality of independently controllable heater units, each of which is configured to accept and to heat one of a plurality of process tubes; one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more of the process tubes in the heater assembly, wherein the one or more process tubes contain magnetic particles; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism and to control heating of the heater units.

A diagnostic apparatus comprising the integrated separator and heater as described herein.

A method of controllably heating a plurality of process tubes, each containing a solution of reagents and biological samples, wherein conditions in each of the process tubes may be individually tailored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an automated apparatus configured to carry out sample preparation using a heater and separator as described herein.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an exemplary embodiment of a reagent holder, in perspective view (FIG. 2A), and underside view (FIG. 2B).

FIG. 3 shows a heater unit in perspective and cross-sectional view.

FIG. 4 shows perspective views of the rack of reagent holders and sample tubes of FIG. 5, in conjunction with a heater unit.

FIG. 5 shows perspective views of an exemplary rack for samples and reagent holders.

FIG. 6 shows an integrated heater and separator unit in cross-sectional view.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary heater/separator.

Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The heater and separator described herein are typically configured for use in a method and apparatus for carrying out sample preparation on biological samples in parallel, with or without PCR and detection on the prepared samples, and preferably with high throughput.

Apparatus Overview

A schematic overview of an apparatus 981 for carrying out automated sample preparation on multiple samples in parallel, according to steps exemplified elsewhere herein, is shown in FIG. 1. The geometric arrangement of the components of system 981 is exemplary and not intended to be limiting. The apparatus may additionally comprise (not shown in FIG. 1) a microfluidic cartridge, in a receiving bay, and configured to carry out a diagnostic test on the sample, such as by detecting presence of an amplified polynucleotide in the cartridge. Such additional features are also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,023, filed on Jul. 14, 2008 (and entitled “Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples”, in the name of Williams, et al.).

A processor 980, such as a microprocessor, is configured to control functions of various components of the system as shown, and is thereby in communication with each such component requiring control. It is to be understood that many such control functions can optionally be carried out manually, and not under control of the processor. Furthermore, the order in which the various functions are described, in the following, is not limiting upon the order in which the processor executes instructions when the apparatus is operating. Thus, processor 980 can be configured to receive data about a sample to be analyzed, e.g., from a sample reader 990, which may be a barcode reader, an optical character reader, or an RFID scanner (radio frequency tag reader).

Processor 980 can be configured to accept user instructions from an input device 984, where such instructions may include instructions to start analyzing the sample, and choices of operating conditions. Processor 980 can be also configured to communicate with a display 982, so that, for example, information about an analysis is transmitted to the display and thereby communicated to a user of the system. Such information includes but is not limited to: the current status of the apparatus; progress of PCR thermocycling; and a warning message in case of malfunction of either system or cartridge. Additionally, processor 980 may transmit one or more questions to be displayed on display 982 that prompt a user to provide input in response thereto. Thus, in certain embodiments, input 984 and display 982 are integrated with one another. Processor 980 can be optionally further configured to transmit results of an analysis to an output device 986 such as a printer, a visual display, a display that utilizes a holographic projection, or a speaker, or a combination thereof. Processor 980 can be still further optionally connected via a communication interface such as a network interface to a computer network 988.

Processor 980 can be further configured to control various aspects of sample preparation and diagnosis, as follows in overview. In FIG. 1, the apparatus 981 is configured to operate in conjunction with a complementary rack 800. Apparatus 981 may be capable of receiving multiple racks, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 racks.

Embodiments of rack 800 are further described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/______, filed by ExpressMail on Jul. 14, 2008 (and entitled “Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples”, in the name of Williams, et al.), and 12/______, filed on even date herewith, and entitled “Rack For Sample Tubes And Reagent Holders”, in the name of Duffy, et al., both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. A rack 800 is itself configured to receive a number of biological samples 996 in a form suitable for work-up and diagnostic analysis, and a number of holders 804—as further described herein, such as in connection with FIGS. 10A, 10B, that are equipped with various reagents, pipette tips and receptacles. The rack is configured so that, during sample work-up, samples are processed in the respective holders, the processing including being subjected, individually, to heating and cooling via heater assembly 977.

The heating functions of the heater assembly 977 can be controlled by the processor 980. Heater assembly 977 operates in conjunction with a separator 978, such as a magnetic separator, that also can be controlled by processor 980 to move into and out of close proximity to one or more processing chambers associated with the holders 804, wherein particles such as magnetic particles are present. Assembly 977 and separator 978 are further described herein.

Liquid dispenser 976, which similarly can be controlled by processor 980, is configured to carry out various suck and dispense operations on respective sample, fluids and reagents in the holders 804, to achieve extraction of nucleic acid from the samples. Liquid dispenser 976 can carry out such operations on multiple holders simultaneously.

Sample reader 990 is configured to transmit identifying indicia about the sample, and in some instances the holder, to processor 980. In some embodiments a sample reader is attached to the liquid dispenser and can thereby read indicia about a sample above which the liquid dispenser is situated. In other embodiments the sample reader is not attached to the liquid dispenser and is independently movable, under control of the processor. Liquid dispenser 976 is also configured to take aliquots of fluid containing nucleic acid extracted from one or more samples and direct them to storage area 974, which may be a cooler. Area 974 contains, for example, a PCR tube corresponding to each sample.

Embodiments of the apparatus shown in outline in FIG. 1, as with other exemplary embodiments described herein, are advantageous because they do not require locations within the apparatus suitably configured for storage of reagents. Therefore, the apparatus in FIG. 1 is self-contained and operates in conjunction with holders 804, wherein the holders are pre-packaged with reagents, such as in locations within it dedicated to reagent storage.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 may be configured to carry out operation in a single location, such as a laboratory setting, or may be portable so that they can accompany, e.g., a physician, or other healthcare professional, who may visit patients at different locations. The apparatus is typically provided with a power-cord so that they can accept AC power from a mains supply or generator. The apparatus may also be configured to operate by using one or more batteries and therefore is also typically equipped with a battery recharging system, and various warning devices that alert a user if battery power is becoming too low to reliably initiate or complete a diagnostic analysis.

The apparatus of FIG. 1 may further be configured, in other embodiments, for multiplexed sample analysis and/or analysis of multiple batches of samples, where, e.g., a single rack holds a single batch of samples. Each component shown in FIG. 1 may therefore be present as many times as there are batches of samples, though the various components may be configured in a common housing.

The apparatuses as described herein find application to analyzing any nucleic acid containing sample for any purpose, including but not limited to genetic testing, and clinical testing for various infectious diseases in humans.

The apparatus herein can be configured to run on a laboratory benchtop, or similar environment, and can test approximately 45 samples per hour when run continuously throughout a normal working day. Results from individual raw samples are typically available in less than 1 hour.

Heater Assembly

A cross-sectional view of a heater unit of an exemplary heater assembly 1401 is shown in FIG. 3 (right hand panel). The heater assembly comprises one or more independently controllable heater units, each of which comprises a heat block. In certain embodiments there are 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 24, 25, 30, 32, 36, 40, 48, or 50 heater units in a heater assembly. Still other numbers of heater units, such as any number between 6 and 100 are consistent with the description herein. The one or more heat blocks may be fashioned from a single piece of metal or other material, or may be made separately from one another and mounted independently of one another or connected to one another in some way. Thus, the term heater assembly connotes a collection of heater units but does not require the heater units or their respective heat blocks to be attached directly or indirectly to one another. The heater assembly can be configured so that each heater unit independently heats each of the one or more process tubes 1402, for example by permitting each of the one or more heat blocks to be independently controllable, as further described herein.

In the configuration of FIG. 3, the heater assembly comprises one or more heat blocks 1403 each of which is configured to align with and to deliver heat to a process tube 1402. Each heat block 1403 can be optionally secured and connected to the rest of the apparatus using a strip 1408 and one or more screws 1407 or other adhesive device(s). This securing mechanism is not limited to such a configuration.

Although a cross-sectional view of one heat block 1403 is shown in FIG. 3, it should be understood that this is consistent with having multiple heat blocks aligned in parallel to one another and such that their geometric midpoints all lie on a single linear axis, though it is not so limited in configuration. Thus, the one or more heat blocks may be positioned at different heights from one another, in groups or, alternately, individually, or may be staggered with respect to one another from left to right in FIG. 3 (right hand panel), in groups or alternately, or individually. Additionally, and in other embodiments, the heat blocks are not aligned parallel to one another but are disposed at angles relative to one another, the angles being other than 180°. Furthermore, although the heat block shown in FIG. 3 may be one of several that are identical in size, it is consistent with the technology herein that one or more heat blocks may be configured to accept and to heat process tubes of different sizes.

The exemplary heat block 1403 in FIG. 3 (right hand panel) is configured to have an internal cavity that partially surrounds a lower portion of process tube 1402. In the heat block of FIG. 3, the internal cavity surrounds the lower portion of process tube 1402 on two sides but not the front side (facing away from magnet 1404) and not the rear side (adjacent to magnet 1404). In other embodiments, heat block 1403 is configured to surround the bottom of process tube 1402 on three sides, including the front side. Still other configurations of heat block 1403 are possible, consistent with the goals of achieving rapid and uniform heating of the contents of process tube 1402. In certain embodiments, the heat block is shaped to conform closely to the shape of process tube 1402 so as to increase the surface area of the heat block that is in contact with the process tube during heating of the process tube. Thus, although exemplary heat block 1403 is shown having a conical, curve-bottomed cavity in which a complementary process tube is seated, other embodiments of heat block 1403 have, for example, a cylindrical cavity with a flat bottom. Still other embodiments of heat block 1403 may have a rectilinear internal cavity such as would accommodate a cuvette.

Moreover, although heat block 1403 is shown as an L-shape in FIG. 3, which aids in the transmittal of heat from heating element 1501 and in securing the one or more heat blocks to the rest of the apparatus, it need not be so, as further described herein. For example, in some embodiments heating element 1501 may be positioned directly underneath process tube 1402.

Each heat block 1403 is configured to have a low thermal mass while still maintaining high structural integrity and allowing a magnet to slide past the heat blocks and the process tubes with ease. A low thermal mass is advantageous because it allows heat to be delivered or dissipated rapidly, thus increasing the heating and cooling efficiency of the apparatus in which the heater assembly is situated. Factors that contribute to a low thermal mass include the material from which a heat block is made, and the shape that it adopts. The heat blocks 1403 can therefore be made of such materials as aluminum, silver, gold, and copper, and alloys thereof, but are not so limited.

In one embodiment, the heat block 1403 has a mass of ˜10 grams and is configured to heat up liquid samples having volumes between 1.2 ml and 10 μl. Heating from room temperature to 65° C. for a 1 ml biological sample can be achieved in less than 3 minutes, and 10 μl of an aqueous liquid such as a release buffer up to 85° C. (from 50° C.) in less than 2 minutes. The heat block 1403 can cool down to 50° C. from 85° C. in less than 3 minutes. The heat block 1403 can be configured to have a temperature uniformity of 65±4° C. for heating up 1 ml of sample and 85±3° C. for heating up 10 μl of release buffer. These ranges are typical, but the heat block can be suitably scaled to heat other volumes of liquid at rates that are slower and faster than those described. This aspect of the technology is one aspect that contributes to achieving rapid nucleic acid extraction of multiple samples by combination of liquid processing steps, rapid heating for lysis, DNA capture and release and magnetic separation, as further described herein and elsewhere, such as U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/172,208 and 12/172,214, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Not shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly 1401 can also optionally be contained in an enclosure that surrounds the heat blocks 1403. The enclosure can be configured to enable sufficient air flow around the process tubes and so as not to significantly inhibit rate of cooling. The enclosure can have a gap between it and the heat blocks to facilitate cooling. The enclosure can be made of plastic, but is not so limited. The enclosure is typically configured to appear aesthetic to a user.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly 1401 can also comprise one or more heating elements (e.g., a power resistor) 1501 each of which is configured to thermally interface to a heat block 1403 and dissipate heat to it. For example, in one embodiment, a power resistor can dissipate up to 25 Watts of power. A power resistor is advantageous because it is typically a low-cost alternative to a heating element. Other off-the-shelf electronic components such as power transistors may also be used to both sense temperature and heat. Although the heating element 1501 is shown placed at the bottom of the heat block 1403, it would be understood that other configurations are consistent with the assembly described herein: for example, the heating element 1501 might be placed at the top or side of each heat block 1403, or directly underneath process tube 1402. In other embodiments, the heating element has other shapes and is not rectangular in cross section but may be curved, such as spherical or ellipsoidal. Additionally, the heating element may be moulded or shaped so that it conforms closely or approximately to the shape of the bottom of the process tube. Not shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly can also comprise an interface material (e.g., Berquist q-pad, or thermal grease) between the heating element 1501 and the heat block 1403 to enable good thermal contact between the element and the heat block.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly further comprises one or more temperature sensors 1502, such as resistive temperature detectors, to sense the respective temperatures of each heat block 1403. Although a temperature sensor 1502 is shown placed at the bottom of the heat block 1403, it would be understood that other configurations are consistent with the assembly described herein: for example, the temperature sensor might be placed at the top or side of each heat block 1403, or closer to the bottom of process tube 1402 but not so close as to impede uniform heating thereof. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the heater assembly can further comprise an interface material (e.g., Berquist q-pad) 1503 configured to enable good thermal contact between the sensor 1502 and the heat block 1403, to thereby ensure an accurate reading.

Certain embodiments of the diagnostic or preparatory apparatus herein have more than one heater assembly as further described herein. For example, a single heater assembly may be configured to independently heat 6 or 12 process tubes, and an apparatus may be configured with two or four such heater assemblies.

Rack

Process tubes 1402 are typically disposed in reagent holders that themselves are supported in a rack, as shown in FIG. 4, the combination of reagent holders and rack ensuring that the process tubes are effectively located in proximity to the heater units.

The racks for use herein are typically configured to be insertable into, and removable from, a diagnostic or preparatory apparatus as further described herein, each of the racks being further configured to receive a plurality of reagent holders, and to receive a plurality of sample tubes, wherein the reagent holders are in one-to-one correspondence with the sample tubes, and wherein the reagent holders each contain sufficient reagents to extract polynucleotides from a sample and place the polynucleotides into a PCR-ready form. Exemplary reagent holders are further described elsewhere herein and also in copending application Ser. No. 12/______, filed by ExpressMail on Jul. 14, 2008 (and entitled “Reagent Tube, Reagent Holder, and Kits Containing Same”, in the name of Wilson, et al) and incorporated herein by reference. An exemplary apparatus is outlined herein, and also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed by ExpressMail on Jul. 14, 2008 (and entitled “Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples”, in the name of Williams, et al.), incorporated by reference herein.

Two perspective views of an exemplary rack 800, configured to accept 12 sample tubes and 12 corresponding reagent holders, in 12 lanes, are shown in FIG. 5. A lane, as used herein in the context of a rack, is a dedicated region of the rack designed to receive a sample tube and corresponding reagent holder. A perspective view of the same exemplary rack, in conjunction with a heater unit, as further described herein, is shown in FIG. 4.

A rack may accept 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, or 20 samples such as in sample tubes 802, and a corresponding number of holders 804. Thus the embodiment of FIG. 5 configured to receive 12 samples and 12 corresponding reagent holders is exemplary.

Magnetic Separator

The disclosure herein further comprises a magnetic separator, configured to separate magnetic particles, the separator comprising: one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion, the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more receptacles which contain the magnetic particles in solution; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism.

The disclosure herein still further includes an integrated magnetic separator and heater, comprising: a heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly comprises a plurality of independently controllable heater units, each of which is configured to accept and to heat one of a plurality of process tubes; one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more of the process tubes in the heater assembly, wherein the one or more process tubes contain magnetic particles; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism and to control heating of the heater units.

Typically, each of the one or more receptacles is a process tube, such as for carrying out biological reactions. In some embodiments, close proximity can be defined as a magnet having a face less than 2 mm away from the exterior surface of a process tube without being in contact with the tube. It can still further be defined to be less than 1 mm away without being in contact with the tube, or between 1 and 2 mm away.

Typically the magnetic particles are microparticles, beads, or microspheres capable of binding one or more biomolecules, such as polynucleotides, and commonly available as retention members. Separating the particles, while in solution, typically comprises collecting and concentrating, or gathering, the particles into one location in the inside of the one or more receptacles.

An exemplary magnetic separator 1400 is shown in FIG. 6, configured to operate in conjunction with heater assembly 1401. The magnetic separator 1400 is configured to move one or more magnets relative to the one or more process tubes 1402. While the magnet 1404 shown in FIG. 6 is shown as a rectangular block, it is not so limited in shape. Moreover, the configuration of FIG. 6 is consistent with either having a single magnet that extends across all heat blocks 1403 or having multiple magnets operating in concert and aligned to span a subset of the heat blocks, for example, aligned collinearly on the supporting member. The magnet 1404 can be made of neodymium (e.g., from K &J Magnetics, Inc.) and can have a magnetic strength of 5,000-15,000 Gauss (Brmax). The poles of the magnets 1404 can be arranged such that one pole faces the heat blocks 1403 and the other faces away from the heat blocks.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the magnet 1404 is mounted on a supporting member 1505 that can be raised up and down along a fixed axis using a motorized shaft 1405. The fixed axis can be vertical. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a geared arrangement 1406 enables the motor 1601 to be placed perpendicular to the shaft 1405, thereby saving space in the apparatus in which magnetic separator 1400 is situated. In other embodiments, the motor is placed underneath shaft 1405. It would be understood that other configurations are consistent with the movement of the magnet relative to the process tubes, including, but not limited to, moving the magnet from side-to-side, or bringing the magnet down from above. The motor can be computer controlled to run at a particular speed; for example at a rotational speed that leads to vertical motion of the magnet in the range 1-20 mm/s. The magnetic separator can thus be configured to move repetitively, e.g., up an down, from side to side, or backwards and forwards, along the same axis several times. In some embodiments there is more than one shaft that operates under motorized control. The presence of at least a second shaft has the effect of making the motion of the separator more smooth. In some embodiments, the supporting member rides on one more guiding members to ensure that the supporting member does not, for example, tip, twist, or yaw, or undergo other internal motions while moving (other than that of controlled motion along the axis) and thereby reduce efficacy of the separation.

The supporting member can also be configured to move the magnets between a first position, situated away from the one or more receptacles, and a second position situated in close proximity to the one or more receptacles, and is further configured to move at an amplitude about the second position where the amplitude is smaller than a distance between the first position and the second position as measured along the shaft.

Shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the heater assembly 1401 and the magnetic separator 1400 can be controlled by electronic circuitry such as on printed circuit board 1409. The electronic circuitry 1409 can be configured to cause the heater assembly 1401 to apply heat independently to the process tubes 1402 to minimize the cost of heating and sensing. It can also be configured to cause the magnetic separator 1400 to move repetitively relative to the process tubes 1402. The electronic circuitry 1409 can be integrated into a single printed circuit board (PCB). During assembly, a plastic guide piece can help maintain certain spacing between individual heat blocks 1403. This design can benefit from use of off-the-shelf electronics to control a custom arrangement of heat blocks 1403.

Not shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, an enclosure can cover the magnetic separator 1400 and the heater assembly 1401 for protection of sub-assemblies below and aesthetics. The enclosure can also be designed to keep the heat blocks 1403 spaced apart from one another to ensure efficiency of heating and cooling. The magnetic separator and heater assembly can, alternatively, be enclosed by separate enclosures. The one or more enclosures can be made of plastic.

Advantageously, the heater assembly and magnetic separator operate together to permit successive heating and separation operations to be performed on liquid materials in the one or more process tubes without transporting either the liquid materials or the process tubes to different locations to perform either heating or separation. Such operation is also advantageous because it means that the functions of heating and separation which, although independent of one another, are both utilized in sample preparation, may be performed with a compact and efficient apparatus.

Reagent Holders

Described herein and elsewhere are reagent holders for holding and transporting reagents for various purposes, in particular sample preparation in a clinical context, and configured to be received by a rack as described herein. The reagent holders also typically provide a container in which various reagents can be mixed one with another and/or with a sample. The holders are also configured for use in an automated preparatory apparatus that can carry out sample preparation on samples in more than one holder simultaneously.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show views of an exemplary holder 804 as further described herein. This exemplary holder, as well as others consistent with the written description herein though not shown as specific embodiments, are now described. Further details of reagent holders can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/______, filed by Express Mail Jul. 14, 2008 in the name of Wilson, et al., and entitled “Reagent Tube, Reagent Holder, and Kits Containing Same”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The exemplary holder of FIG. 2A comprises a connecting member 510 having one or more characteristics as follows. Connecting member 510 serves to connect various components of the holder together. Connecting member 510 has an upper side 512 and, opposed to the upper side, an underside 514.

The reagent holder of FIG. 2A is configured to comprise: a process tube 520 affixed to the connecting member and having an aperture 522 located in the connecting member; at least one socket 530, located in the connecting member, the socket configured to accept a disposable pipette tip 580; an optional pipette sheath 570 as further described herein; two or more reagent tubes 540 disposed on the underside of the connecting member, each of the reagent tubes having an inlet aperture 542 located in the connecting member; and one or more receptacles 550, located in the connecting member, wherein the one or more receptacles are each configured to receive a complementary container such as a reagent tube (not shown) inserted from the upper side 512 of the connecting member. The lanes of the rack described herein are designed to have sufficient depth and width to accommodate the various reagent tubes, receptacles, process tube, and pipette sheath of a given reagent holder, and to position the process tube in communication with a heater/separator unit.

In FIG. 2B, a view of underside 514 is shown, having various struts 597 connecting a rim of the connecting member with variously the sockets, process tube, and reagent tubes. Struts 597 are optional, and may be omitted all or in part, or may be substituted by, in all or in part, other supporting pieces that connect various parts of the holder to one another.

The one or more receptacles 550 are configured to accept reagent tubes that contain, respectively, sufficient quantities of one or more reagents typically in solid form, such as in lyophilized form, for carrying out extraction of nucleic acids from a sample that is associated with the holder. The receptacles can be all of the same size and shape, or may be of different sizes and shapes from one another. Receptacles 550 are shown as having open bottoms, but are not limited to such topologies, and may be closed other than the inlet 552 in the upper side of connecting member 510. Preferably the receptacles 550 are configured to accept commonly used containers in the field of laboratory analysis, or containers suitably configured for use with the holder herein.

In one embodiment, the containers 554 containing lyophilized reagents, disposed in the receptacles 550, are 0.3 ml tubes that have been further configured to have a star-shaped pattern on their respective bottom interior surfaces. This is so that when a fluid has been added to the lyophilized reagents (which are dry in the initial package), a pipette tip can be bottomed out in the tube and still be able to withdraw almost the entire fluid from the tube. The design of the star-pattern is further described elsewhere in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/ , filed on even date herewith, and entitled “Reagent Tube”, in the name of Handique et al., which application is incorporated herein by reference.

The embodiment of a reagent holder 804 is shown configured with a waste chamber 560, having an inlet aperture 562 in the upper side of the connecting member. Waste chamber 560 is optional and, in embodiments where it is present, is configured to receive spent liquid reagents. In other embodiments, where it is not present, spent liquid reagents can be transferred to and disposed of at a location outside of the holder, such as, for example, a sample tube that contained the original sample whose contents are being analyzed.

The embodiment of a reagent holder 804 is shown having a pipette sheath 570. This is an optional component of the holders described herein. It may be permanently or removably affixed to connecting member 510, or may be formed, e.g., moulded, as a part of a single piece assembly for the holder. Pipette sheath 570 is typically configured to surround the at least one socket and a tip and lower portion of a pipette tip when the pipette tip is stationed in the at least one socket. In some embodiments, the at least one socket comprises four sockets. In some embodiments the at least one socket comprises two, three, five, or six sockets.

Pipette sheath 570 typically is configured to have a bottom 576 and a walled portion 578 disposed between the bottom and the connecting member. Pipette sheath 570 may additionally and optionally have one or more cut-out portions 572 in the wall 578, or in the bottom 576. In embodiments of the reagent holder having a pipette sheath, a purpose of the sheath is to catch drips from used pipette tips, and thereby to prevent cross-sample contamination, from use of one holder to another in a similar location, and/or to any supporting rack in which the holder is situated. Typically, then, the bottom 576 is solid and bowl-shaped (concave) so that drips are retained within it. An embodiment having no pipette sheath, could utilize, e.g., a drip tray or a drainage outlet, suitably placed beneath pipette tips located in the one or more sockets, for the same purpose and located under or in the bottom of the rack, as described herein.

Process tube 520 can also be a snap-in tube, rather than being part of an integrated piece. Process tube 520 is typically used for various mixing and reacting processes that occur during sample preparation. For example, cell lysis can occur in process tube 520, as can extraction of nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA of a patient, and DNA or RNA of a pathogen. Process tube 520 is then advantageously positioned in a location that minimizes, overall, pipette head moving operations involved with transferring liquids to process tube 520. Process tube 520 is also located in the holder in such a position that, when the holder is inserted in a rack as further described herein, the process tube is exposed and accessible to a heater and separator, as further described herein.

Some of the reagents contained in the holder are provided as liquids, and others may be provided as solids. In some embodiments, a different type of container or tube is used to store liquids from those that store the solids.

Reagent tubes 540 are typically configured to hold liquid reagents, one per tube. For example, in reagent holder embodiment 804, three reagent tubes are shown, containing respectively wash buffer, release buffer, and neutralization buffer, each of which is used in a sample preparation protocol.

The reagent holder embodiment 804 has a connecting member that is configured so that the at least one socket, the one or more receptacles, and the respective apertures of the process tube, and the two or more reagent tubes, are all arranged linearly with respect to one another (i.e., their midpoints lie on the same axis). However, the holders herein are not limited to particular configurations of receptacles, process tube, sockets, reagent tubes, and waste chamber if present. For example, a holder may be made shorter, if some apertures are staggered with respect to one another and occupy ‘off-axis’ positions. The various receptacles, etc., also do not need to occupy positions with respect to one another that are the same as those shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Thus, in FIGS. 10A, and 10B, the process tube is on one end of the connecting member, and the pipette sheath is at the other end, adjacent to, in an interior position, a waste chamber and two or more reagent tubes. Still other dispositions are possible, such as mounting the process tube on one end of the holder, mounting the process tube adjacent the pipette tips and pipette tip sheath (as further described herein), and mounting the waste tube adjacent the process tube. It would be understood that alternative configurations of the various parts of the holder give rise only to variations of form and can be accommodated within other variations of the apparatus as described, including but not limited to alternative instruction sets for a liquid dispensing pipette head, heater assembly, and magnetic separator, as further described herein. Each such configuration of the reagent holder can be accommodated by a corresponding variation in form of the rack described herein that receives one or more such holders.

The process tube also may have a low binding surface, and allows magnetic beads to slide up and down the inside wall easily without sticking to it. Moreover, it has a hydrophobic surface coating enabling low stiction of fluid and hence low binding of nucleic acids and other molecules.

In some embodiments, the holder comprises a registration member such as a mechanical key. Typically such a key is part of the connecting member 510. A mechanical key ensures that the holder is accepted by a complementary member in, for example, a supporting rack as described herein or a receiving bay of an apparatus that controls pipetting operations on reagents in the holder. Thus, embodiment 804 has a mechanical key 592 that comprises a pair of rectangular-shaped cut-outs on one end of the connecting member. This feature as shown additionally provides for a tab by which a user may gain a suitable purchase when inserting and removing the holder into a rack or another apparatus. Embodiment 804 also has a mechanical key 590 at the other end of connecting member 510. Key 590 is an angled cutout that eases insertion of the holder into a rack, as well as ensures a good registration therein when abutting a complementary angled cut out in a recessed area configured to receive the holder.

A reagent holder for use with a rack as described herein is typically made of a plastic such as polypropylene. The plastic is such that it has some flexibility to facilitate placement into a rack, as further described herein. The plastic is typically sufficiently rigid, however, so that the holder will not significantly sag or flex under its own weight and will not easily deform during routine handling and transport, and thus will not permit reagents to leak out from it.

The holder is typically such that the connecting member, process tube, the two or more reagent tubes, and the waste chamber (if present) are made from a single piece, made from a material such as polypropylene.

Liquid Dispenser

Additionally, the heater and separator described herein can be configured to operate in conjunction with liquid processing operations, such as carried out by an automated pipette head. An exemplary automated pipette head is described in U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/959,437, filed Jul. 13, 2008, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,023, filed Jul. 14, 2008, entitled “Integrated Apparatus for Performing Nucleic Acid Extraction and Diagnostic Testing on Multiple Biological Samples”, in the name of Williams, et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As reactions are carried out in a process tube that, for example, is part of a reagent holder as described elsewhere herein, the heater is controllably heated at various stages as desired and in concert with various pipetting operations. Similarly, the magnetic separator is controllably brought into proximity with a process tube as required at various stages in a process.

Typical features of an automated pipette head suitable for operating with the heater and separator as described herein include at least: an ability to pick up pipette tips from the one or more sockets in a reagent holder, and to return pipette tips to such sockets after use; to strip and discard a pipette tip from a pipette head after use or upon encountering an error; move a pipette tip with precision from one location of a given holder to another so that, for example, liquid reagents can be located and added to solid reagents to make up solutions, and various liquid reagents can be mixed with one another during a sample preparation protocol. Furthermore, it is desirable that such an automated pipette device can operate on several, such as 2, 3, 4, or 6, holders simultaneously when received by a rack, and thereby perform certain operations in parallel. Thus the pipette head should move in three degrees of freedom.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Integrated Heater/Separator

In FIG. 7 an exemplary integrated magnetic separator and heater assembly are shown. Magnetic separator 1400 and heater assembly 1401 were fabricated comprising twelve heat blocks aligned parallel to one another. Each heat block 1403 is made from aluminum, and has an L-shaped configuration having a U-shaped inlet for accepting a process chamber 1402. Each heat block 1403 is secured and connected by a metal strip 1408 and screws 1407. Magnet 1404 is a rectangular block Neodymium (or other permanent rare earth materials, K & J Magnetics, Forcefield Magnetics) disposed behind each heat block 1403 and mounted on a supporting member. Gears 1406 communicate rotational energy from a motor (not shown) to cause the motorized shaft 1405 to raise and lower magnet 1404 relative to each heat block. The motor is computer-controlled to move the magnet at speeds of 1-20 mm/s. The device further comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) 1409 configured to cause the heater assembly to apply heat independently to each process chamber 1402 upon receipt of appropriate instructions. In the exemplary embodiment, the device also comprises a temperature sensor and a power resistor in conjunction with each heater block.

Example 2 Exemplary Chemistry Processes Performed by an Automated Instrument Sample Pre-processing

For Urine Sample: Take 0.5 ml of urine and mix it with 0.5 ml of collection buffer. Filter the sample through a pre-filter (containing two membranes of 10 micron and 3 micron pore size). Place the sample tube in the position specified for the external sample tube in a 12-holder rack.

For Plasma Sample: Take 0.5 ml of plasma and mix it with 0.5 ml of collection buffer. Place the sample tube in the position specified for the external sample tube in the 12-holder rack.

For GBS swab samples: Take the swab sample and dip it in 1 ml of collection buffer. Place the sample tube in the position specified for the external sample tube in the 12-holder rack.

The sample collection buffer contains 50 mM Tris pH 7, 1% Triton X-100, 20 mM Citrate, 20 mM Borate, 100 mM EDTA, plus 1,000 copies of positive control DNA.

Loading the Instrument and Starting Sample Processing

The following steps may be performed to initiate an analysis on samples in batch.

-   -   1. Load PCR tube containing PCR master mix in one of the         specified snap-in location of the reagent holder.     -   2. Load PCR tube containing PCR probes and primers for the         target analyte under consideration in the specified location of         the reagent holder.     -   3. In case of two analyte test, load PCR tube containing probes         and primers for second analyte in the specified location of the         reagent holder.     -   4. Insert the reagent holder in a 12-holder rack in the same         lane as the sample tube under consideration.     -   5. Prepare and insert reagent holders for other samples in         consideration.     -   6. Load the 12-holder rack in one of the locations in the         instrument.     -   7. Load a 12-sample cartridge in the cartridge tray loading         position.     -   8. Start operation.

Liquid Processing Steps

The following steps may be performed to carry out sample preparation.

-   -   1. Using Pipette tip #1, the robot transfers the clinical sample         from the external sample tube to the process tube of the reagent         holder.     -   2. Using the same pipette tip, the robot takes about 100 μl of         sample, mixes the lyophilized enzyme and affinity beads,         transfers the reagents to the process tube. Mixing is performed         in the process tube by 5 suck and dispense operations.     -   3. The robot places pipette tip #1 at its designated location in         the reagent holder.     -   4. Heat the process tube to 60° C. and maintain it for 10         minutes.     -   5. After 5 minute of lysis, the robot picks up pipette tip #1         and mixes the contents by 3 suck and dispense operations.     -   6. The robot places pipette tip #1 at its designated location in         the reagent holder.     -   7. After 10 minutes of lysis, a magnet is moved up the side of         the process tube to a middle height of the sample and held at         that position for a minute to capture all the magnetic beads         against the wall the tube.     -   8. The magnet is brought down slowly to slide the captured beads         close to the bottom (but not the bottom) of the tube.     -   9. Using pipette tip #2, aspirate all the liquid and dump it         into the waste tube.     -   10. Aspirate a second time to remove as much liquid as possible         from the process tube.     -   11. Using the same pipette tip #2, withdraw 100 μl of wash         buffer and dispense it in the process tube. During this         dispense, the magnet is moved downwards, away from the process         tube.     -   12. Perform 15 mix steps to thoroughly mix the magnetic beads         with the wash buffer.     -   13. Wait for 30 seconds.     -   14. Move magnet up to capture the beads to the side and hold for         15 seconds.     -   15. Using pipette tip #2, aspirate wash buffer twice to remove         as much liquid as possible and dump it back in the wash tube.     -   16. Move magnet down away from the process tube.     -   17. Place pipette tip #2 in its specified location of the         reagent holder.     -   18. Pick up a new pipette tip (tip #3) and withdraw 8-10 μl of         release buffer and dispense it over the beads in the process         tube.     -   19. Wait for 1 minute and then perform 45 mixes.     -   20. Heat the release solution to 85° C. and maintain temperature         for 5 minutes.     -   21. Place pipette tip #3 in its specified location of the         reagent holder.     -   22. Bring magnet up the tube, capture all the beads against the         tube wall and move it up and away from the bottom of the tube.     -   23. Pick up a new pipette tip (tip #4) and withdraw all the         release buffer from the process tube and then withdraw 3-10 μl         of neutralization buffer, mix it in the pipette tip and dispense         it in the PCR tube. (In case of two analyte detections, dispense         half of the neutralized DNA solution into first PCR tube and the         rest of the solution in the second PCR tube.     -   24. Using pipette tip #4, mix the neutralized DNA with the         lyophilized reagents by 4-5 suck and dispense operations and         withdraw the entire solution in the pipette tip.     -   25. Using pipette tip #4, load 6 μl of the final PCR solution in         a lane of the 12-up cartridge.

Real-Time PCR

After all the appropriate PCR lanes of the PCR cartridge are loaded with final PCR solution, the tray containing the cartridge moves it in the PCR Analyzer. The cartridge is pressed by an optical detection read-head against the PCR heater. Heaters activate valves to close either ends of the PCR reactor and real-time thermocycling process starts. After completing appropriate PCR cycles (˜45 cycles), the analyzer decides whether the sample has the target DNA based on the output fluorescence data, and issues an indication of the same.

Example 3 Exemplary Heater/Separator

Heaters for each of 24 process tubes, such as for carrying out lysis, can be individually software controlled. The lysis ramp times (e.g., the time that it takes for the water in a lysis tube to rise from a temperature of approximately 2.5° C. to a given temperature) can be less than 120 seconds for a rise to 50° C. and less than 300 seconds for a rise to 75° C. The lysis temperature (e.g., as measured in the water contained in a lysis tube) can be maintained, by the heaters, to within ±3° C. of the desired temperature. The accessible lysis temperature range can be from about 40° C. to about 82° C. Each of the heaters may draw about 16 Watts or more of power when in operation. The lysis heater can be designed to maximize the thermal transfer to the process tube, and also accommodate the tolerances of the various parts. The heaters can permit the tubes to be in direct contact with the magnets (described in more detail herein). The heaters may be adjustable in the horizontal plane during assembly and typically do not interfere with the covers of the system when installed.

Magnets are also included in the system, and the heater and magnet related mechanisms fit beneath a rack that contains a number of reagent holders, and do not interfere with rack insertion or registration. The magnets may be high-flux magnets (e.g., have about a 1,000 gauss, or greater, flux as measured within a given process tube), and be able to move a distance sufficient to achieve magnetic bead separation in one or more of the lysis tubes filled to a volume of 900 μL. The magnets can be software-controllable at movement rates from about 1 mm/sec to about 25 mm/sec. The wiring, included as part of the heater and controller assemblies, can be contained and protected from potential spills (e.g., spills of the process tubes). The magnets can be located about 1.25 inches or greater from the bottom of the lysis tube when not in use and can be retained in such a manner as to maximize contact with the lysis tube while also preventing jamming.

The foregoing description is intended to illustrate various aspects of the technology. It is not intended that the examples presented herein limit the scope of the technology. The technology now being fully described, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for separating magnetic particles, comprising: one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion, the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more receptacles which contain the magnetic particles; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are permanent magnets.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are made from neodymium and have a magnetic strength of 5,000-15,000 Gauss.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are aligned collinearly on the supporting member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fixed axis is vertically oriented.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more receptacles is a process tube.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motorized mechanism comprises a shaft to which the supporting member is attached, and a motor configured to move the supporting member along the shaft.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more magnets are at a distance of less than 1-2 mm from the one or more receptacles, during at least a portion of the motion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supporting member is configured to move between a first position, situated away from the one or more receptacles, and a second position situated in close proximity to the one or more receptacles, and is further configured to move at an amplitude about the second position where the amplitude is smaller than a distance between the first position and the second position as measured along the shaft.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more guide-members configured to limit internal motion of the supporting member in directions other than that of motion controlled by the motorized mechanism.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic particles are in suspension in solution in the one or more receptacles, and separating the particles comprises collecting and concentrating the particles on to one portion of the one or more receptacles.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein there are 12 receptacles.
 13. A diagnostic apparatus comprising the apparatus of claim
 1. 14. An integrated separator and heater, comprising: a heater assembly, wherein the heater assembly comprises a plurality of independently controllable heater units, each of which is configured to accept and to heat one of a plurality of process tubes; one or more magnets affixed to a supporting member; a motorized mechanism configured to move the supporting member in such a manner that the one or more magnets move backwards and forwards along a fixed axis, and during at least a portion of the motion the one or more magnets maintain close proximity to one or more of the process tubes in the heater assembly, wherein the one or more process tubes contain magnetic particles; and control circuitry to control the motorized mechanism and to control heating of the heater units.
 15. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein both the heating of the one or more process tubes and the separation of magnetic particles within the one or more process tubes occur when the one or more process tubes are situated in the one or more heater units, and without requiring the one or more process tubes to be removed or repositioned after the heating.
 16. The integrated magnetic separator and heater of claim 15, wherein each of the heater units comprises a power resistor.
 17. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the one or more heater units are aligned collinearly with one another.
 18. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the one or more heater units each comprise a heat block having an internal cavity configured to partially surround a lower portion of one of the plurality of process tubes.
 19. The integrated heater and separator of claim 18, wherein the internal cavity has an open face that is adjacent to one of the one or more magnets when the magnet is in close proximity to the process tube.
 20. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the one or more heater units each comprise a heat block, wherein the heat blocks are made of a materials selected from: aluminum; silver; gold; copper; and alloys thereof.
 21. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein a 1 ml biological sample in one of the process tubes can be heated from room temperature to 65° C. in less than 3 minutes.
 22. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the heater assembly further comprises one or more temperature sensors configured to sense and record the respective temperatures of each of the heat blocks.
 23. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the one or more magnets are aligned collinearly on the supporting member.
 24. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the fixed axis is vertically oriented.
 25. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the motorized mechanism comprises a shaft to which the supporting member is attached, and a motor configured to move the supporting member along the shaft.
 26. The integrated heater and separator of claim 14, wherein the supporting member is configured to move between a first position, situated away from the one or more receptacles, and a second position situated in close proximity to the one or more receptacles, and is further configured to move at an amplitude about the second position where the amplitude is smaller than a distance between the first position and the second position as measured along the shaft.
 27. The integrated separator and heater of claim 14, wherein there are 12 heater units.
 28. A diagnostic apparatus comprising the integrated separator and heater of claim
 14. 